An Evaluation of Holy Shrines Pilgrims' perceptual indicators; the Case of the Surroundings of Her Holiness Masoumeh’s Shrine

Abstract

Pilgrims' perceptions and how they affect spiritual, mental states and images are important for their mental preparation. The aim of this present study is to measure and analyse the effect of perceptual indicators of pilgrims to holy shrines in their procession towards Her Holiness Masoumeh’s shrine. This study was conducted through a mixed (quantitative-qualitative) approach and a descriptive-analytical research method. For data collection, library and field methods have been used and the sample group of the study, 172 people, was randomly selected from the pilgrims and locals. The data was analysed using the SPSS23 and Amos Graphic26 in the form of two types of descriptive-inferential analysis and structural equation modelling. The factor model compiled with cropper fit shows a significant relationship between the indicators and perceptual measures in the pilgrimage. Furthermore, among six identified indicators and seventeen related measures, the sense of politeness and humility, spirituality, expectation, ingravibility, legibility and belonging, respectively have more weight in the perception of pilgrims. This sheds light on the fact that the surrounding fabric of Her Holiness Masoumeh’s shrine requires more attention by authorities, in order to improve the quality of the perceptual scape, in accordance with normative values hierarchies.

Keywords

• perceptual indicators
• pilgrimage hierarchy
• pilgrimage shrines
• her holiness masoumeh’s shrine
• qom city